BTS’ V drops a new song ‘wherever u r’ in collaboration with R&B singer UMI on his birthday

The collaboration, which now speaks to separation of all kinds, came about organically after the two exchanged messages about working together on a song.

By Monica Yadav -

December 30, 2023 - 4:01 PM IST

R&B singer-songwriter UMI released 'wherever u r' – a special new track before the end of the year featuring V of 21st century icons BTS. Comforting and vibrant, it is a heartfelt song where the two trade verses about loving someone from a distance. Initially written by UMI to express how much she misses her grandmother who lives in Japan, the song took on new depth and complexity when V turned it into a duet. The collaboration, which now speaks to separation of all kinds, came about organically after the two exchanged messages about working together on a song.

BTS’ V drops a new song ‘wherever u r’ in collaboration with R&B singer UMI on his birthday

“‘wherever u r’ is dedicated to all people with loved ones in different time zones, states, places. It's a reminder that love is a frequency that can be felt no matter the distance. So, allow yourself to send love. It is always felt – in that random urge to text someone, call them or smile,” UMI explains. “Tae and I have been fans of each other for a long time. We recently connected when he shared my song on Instagram – and very organically we started chatting about music & life. Eventually, we decided to create a song together. With no agenda ~ just for the fun of it. When I found out he was going to the military, the theme of the song started to deepen, and we knew this would be a special song to share with both of our fans. It was all very organic and in the moment. I feel very grateful to have been trusted with this song. It’s truly a gift from our hearts to the world ~ and we are excited for people to enjoy it :)”

In September 2023, V released his first solo album Layover, which highlights his natural charm and taste as a solo artist.

Meanwhile, UMI now enters a new courageous and exploratory era with her new EP, talking to the wind, arriving on January 19, 2024. Written entirely by UMI alongside close collaborator and producer V-Ron, the warm four-track project sees her meditating on a transformative love that emboldens her to accept all of life’s possibilities, as she expresses the full breadth of her emotions in Japanese and English. Made during a time in which she was unsure of her path ahead, talking to the wind taught UMI that “it’s OK to create without a map and to live without one too,” she reflects. “To let the wind of life take you where you were always meant to be.”